Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ms. Bolduc and Mr. Furlong.
Like Mr. Lemieux and Mr. Godin, I represent a large bilingual region, a riding in northern Ontario where the cities of Kapuskasing, Hearst, Smooth Rock Falls, and others, are located. I very much appreciate the fact that you entered into an agreement to ensure that some of the volunteers and employees will be francophones.
Are any efforts being made to invite francophones from outside Quebec and outside British Columbia to be involved as volunteers, employees, or in some other capacity?
I just want to find some assurance that with all your efforts, the people of the large French-speaking communities outside of Quebec--such as my area of northern Ontario, Pierre's area of eastern Ontario, Yvon's in Acadie in New Brunswick, and J.C. D'Amours' area--can be included as well.
What success have you had so far? What efforts are being made? Nothing is perfect, and I appreciate that, but what would you see as being the final rate of inclusion of francophones from those areas?